America First Legal has filed amicus briefs in support of President Trump’s controversial executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. The organization’s Vice President, Dan Epstein, stated that the order is "fully constitutional" and essential to uphold the original intent of the 14th Amendment.
The executive order, signed by Trump shortly after returning to the Oval Office, asserts that U.S. citizenship should not automatically be granted to individuals born in the country if their parents are unlawfully present or have only temporary legal status. This move has sparked significant backlash, leading to lawsuits from numerous Democratic-led states and civil rights organizations, with four federal judges temporarily blocking the order as it proceeds through the courts.
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin emphasized that the Constitution broadly confers birthright citizenship, including to those in the categories mentioned in Trump’s order. Following this, Trump took to Truth Social, expressing his frustration and suggesting that the Founding Fathers would disapprove of the current interpretation of citizenship laws. He argued that the 14th Amendment was designed to grant citizenship to former slaves, not to those who enter the country illegally.
Epstein defended the executive order, stating that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment indicates that citizenship is reserved for those who owe allegiance to the United States. He believes that the case will ultimately reach the Supreme Court, where he is confident it will be upheld.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, was a significant milestone in American history, aimed at securing citizenship for former slaves. Its interpretation has been a point of contention in contemporary discussions surrounding immigration and citizenship rights. Epstein contends that the original meaning of the amendment should be preserved, arguing that it does not apply to modern-day illegal immigrants.
As the legal battles continue, the political implications of Trump’s order are profound, with support from several Republican states and groups like America First Legal. This situation reflects ongoing tensions in the U.S. regarding immigration policy and citizenship rights, as the nation grapples with the complexities of its legal framework and the evolving demographics of its population.